Resuming the Spring Semester

Published March 23, 2020

Dear Students:

As we welcome you back from spring break—wherever that might find you—and begin distance learning, you are undoubtedly aware of the guidelines for social distancing put out by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health. I am reaching out to urge all UB students, on campus or off, to take these guidelines seriously.

For your day-to-day life in the coming weeks or months, this guidance translates to the following points:

Do not get together with groups of friends for parties, study sessions or hang outs. Even something simple like sitting on a couch with others to watch a movie goes against CDC recommendations.

Strictly minimize the network of people you maintain in-person contact with.

Limit shopping trips to those needed for essential supplies.

Avoid any unnecessary travel.

Continue to follow tips for frequent and thorough hand washing and sanitation of regularly touched surfaces.

Adjusting to this temporary “new normal” will be tough but manageable. A big part of this challenge will be turning down invitations from those who appear—and may well be—healthy and unaffected. In the moment, your decisions may not seem critical, but I assure you that they are.

UB’s student body is strong, smart and determined—Bulls through and through. Remember that the UB family is also made up of the many others around you, including faculty, staff, alumni and members of the community. You are being called on to protect not just yourself but the whole community. Think of it as a learning opportunity: a chance to listen, to understand and to truly be a leader.

Life as we knew it even just a few weeks ago has changed dramatically, and it continues to change. Please know that there are counseling, health and other resources available to you at buffalo.edu/studentlife, and, of course, the university’s COVID-19 website is being continually updated with new information as it becomes available

The time calls for good judgment and caring hearts, things UB students are known to have in abundance. We are counting on you to do the right thing. We’re in this together, and we’ll get through this together.